Public Health Nurse III

Public Health Nurse III

Performs advanced Public Health (PH) nursing work in both the clinical and non-clinical setting with limited supervision of the Regional Nurse Manager (RNM). In collaboration with Regional Leadership, responsible for the development and implementation of regional processes for employee immunization administration and documentation, annual screening for employee exposure to tuberculosis, fit-testing for N-95 respirators, and blood borne pathogen training. Will develop regional policies and protocols for respiratory protection, exposure management including post-exposure prophylaxis in conjunction with agency policy.

Will conduct Field Office clinic assessments for compliance with Public Health Region (PHR) 2/3 public health nursing standards. Work involves planning, developing, and implementing training and internal quality assurance measures and will provide preventive training on hazards such as blood borne pathogens, personal safety in the workplace (clinic or field) and infection control measures with considerable latitude in PHR 2/3. Will serve as the Local Responsible Party for Data and Security whose duties include annual training, investigation of privacy incidents and ensuring regional policies align with Department of State Health Services (DSHS) security policies.

Trained in the full scope of public health nurse clinical duties to assist with PHR 2/3 direct client services as needed. Must be able to independently travel throughout the State of Texas and out-of-state to complete essential job functions. Member of the Incident Command Structure in response to public health emergencies.

Must comply with HHS, DSHS, Texas Department of Public Safety applicable policies/procedures/standards. This position is office-based, Monday-Friday, 8:00 am

• 5:00 pm. Essential Job Functions:

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

LEADERSHIP Provides leadership in the development and implementation of processes regarding employee immunization administration and documentation, tuberculosis screening, fit- testing for N-95 respirators, a respiratory protection program and blood borne pathogen plan. Will ensure regional processes are implemented in alignment with DSHS policies and protocols for exposure management. Responsible for maintaining records of significant exposures and sentinel events for reporting. Will conduct exposure assessments, evaluate current safety procedures and protocols in preparation to lead quality improvement assessments and root cause analysis of significant exposures. Responsible for monitoring compliance with required annual safety trainings, and annual equipment testing in coordination with PHN and other regional programs. (40%)

EDUCATION AND TRAINING Educates and trains all eligible DSHS staff on regional employee health standards, and policies. Provides annual training on blood borne pathogens, and respiratory protection. Conducts annual assessment for exposure to tuberculosis and provides appropriate testing. Evaluates current safety procedures and protocols for both clinic and field staff to ensure best practices are in place for employee safety. Provides safety education as needed based on assessment results. May provide CPR-BLS certification for clinic personnel. Maintains training records and required certifications. Works with Regional Nurse Manager in the planning, analyzing, and revision of performance measures and outcomes. (20%)

DIRECT PATIENT CARE SERVICES Provides public health clinic services to individuals, families and communities including, but not limited to immunizations, communicable disease assessment and treatment, specimen collection, case management and community education to prevent disease and reduce risk for poor health outcomes. Individual travel throughout the region will be required to provide direct public health services in the communities served by PHR 2/3. (15%)

DATA SECURITY Acts as the Local Responsible Party (LRP) for data security and confidentiality. Maintains a current list of personnel authorized to access confidential information. Responsible for ensuring employees complete the DSHS Security and Confidentiality training annually. Coordinates and reports Acceptable Use (AU) list to HIV/STD Section Privacy Officer. Investigates privacy incidents. Ensures regional policies align with the DSHS HIV/STD security policies. Validates agency AU access requests for DSHS databases. (15%)

REGIONAL SUPPORT AND DISASTER RESPONSE/RECOVERY Participates in regional assignments/duties/special initiatives and other job- related duties. Being required to work other than normal business hours in order to respond to public health emergencies.

May require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location. Actively participates and/or serves in a supporting role to meet the agency's obligations for disaster response/recovery/Continuity of Operations activation- requires completion of at least Incident Command System 100, 200, 700 and 800 courses. Maintains compliance with DSHS Policy, Fleet Operations and Management & Procedures and Standards, and a current valid Texas Driver's License. (10%)

Knowledge Skills Abilities:

Knowledge of professional nursing theory, processes, skills, infection control practices; the Texas Nurse Practice Act, Pharmacy Act, Texas Public Health Laws, and OSHA standards

Skill in using reasoning to identify problems, in considering appropriate resolution of situations, in the operation of computers and applicable computer software, interpretation of laboratory findings, physical signs/symptoms, and information on medical charts, patient care including immunization, phlebotomy, case management and patient education

Ability to work independently with minimum supervision, provide direct service patient care, communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, organize and prioritize workload and meet deadlines, establish and maintain effective working relationships, work effectively with regional and local health department personnel, private practice physicians, hospital staff, media, and the general public, travel regularly and provide transportation within public health regions 2 & 3 and outside the region as needed, provide group education, prepare and maintain records, exercise independent judgment in appraising situations, move 30 pounds of supplies, equipment and records from center, to vehicle, outreach site (which may require moving up steps) and return to vehicle and center, perform CPR

Registration or Licensure Requirements:

Must be currently licensed to practice as a Registered Nurse in the State of Texas or a state that recognizes reciprocity through the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact.

Must possess a valid Class C Texas Driver's license or equivalent from another state. Driving record will be verified with law enforcement to ensure compliance with TDSHS driving policy.

Initial Selection Criteria:

Graduation from an accredited school of nursing, bachelor's degree preferred

Minimum of one year of nursing experience in the past three years

Active Registered Nurse license

Additional Information:

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of an application but may be provided as supplemental materials. All fields on the application must be filled-in completely. Applicants must provide information relevant to the required experience for this position in the job history sections of the application.

Prior to beginning employment, employees/applicants who indicate they hold a degree from an institution of higher education must provide an original/copy of the diploma verifying a Bachelor's degree or Associate's degree from a U.S. college or university or foreign degree determined to be equivalent by an acceptable education evaluator.

HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. I-9 Form

• Click here to download the I-9 form.

Employee must provide transportation. If an employee operates a personal or state motor vehicle in performance of their official duties, the employee must possess a current valid Texas Driver License for the appropriate type vehicle.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. I-9 Form

• Click here to download the I-9 form.

Note: Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to: 68S, 60C, HM, 230X, HS, MED.

All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information, see the Texas State Auditor's Military Crosswalk at http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/Compensation/JobDescriptions.aspx.

Top 10 Tips for Success when Applying to Jobs at HHSC and DSHS

MOS Code:

68S, 60C, HM, 230X, HS, MED

HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.

I-9 Form

• Click here to download the I-9 form.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

Top 10 Tips for Success when Applying to Jobs at HHSC and DSHS